Team PB Performance (UK) announced for Rás Tailteann 2026!

Team PB Performance at Rás Tailteann 2025 - Photographer: Sean Rowe

Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to announce Team PB Performance as one of our visiting teams for the 2026 event as they return once again to Irish roads.

Team PB Performance is an elite development team managed by PB Performance Coaching, with the support of WACO and a number of private sponsors. The team has built a strong reputation for developing riders through to UCI Continental level, underpinned by a clear focus on progression and performance. The team enjoyed a strong showing at Rás Tailteann 2025, with George Peden finishing 9th overall, just 11 seconds off the final general classification podium. That result was backed up by an impressive silver medal in the 2025 Irish National Time Trial Championships where he finished just six seconds behind Ryan Mullen.

Peden is set to return this year and will be joined by a number of exciting young riders, including Iestyn Jones, Will Pollard and George Watch. All three riders are continuing to develop within the team’s elite structure and will be looking forward to gaining experience in one of Ireland’s premier stage races.

Speaking about the team, Team Manager Paul Bennett said: “Team PB Performance is an elite development team managed by PB Performance Coaching with the support of WACO and private sponsors, #sharingourvision, who share our passion for rider development. Such passion has seen riders progress to UCI Continental level. We are also supported by some fantastic partners including Kalas Sportswear, OTE, Pura Velo, Rotor UK, QR Massage, Pedal Power (Loughborough), Redchilli Bikes, MI Supplies and Freeman Energy.

The team has enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 season with a number of wins and podium placings. As always, we are excited to return to this prestigious race in 2026. With some luck on our side, we hope for a strong performance on GC and will be trying to pick up some stage results along the way. This is our A race of the year and riders and staff are very excited to compete again.”

Race Director Ger Campbell added: “Team PB Performance has shown over the past number of years that they are a well-structured and ambitious development team. With a strong returning rider in George Peden and a number of exciting young talents, they will be looking to build on last year’s performance and should be right in the mix again this May.”

TAAP Kalas (UK) announced for Rás Tailteann 2026!

TAAP Kalas after the finish of Rás Tailteann 2025 - Photographer: TAAP Kalas

Cairde Rás Tailteann is delighted to announce TAAP Kalas as one of our visiting teams for the 2026 event as they return for their second appearance at the race.

TAAP Kalas are no strangers to Irish racing, having ridden Rás Mumhan on several occasions before making their Rás Tailteann debut last year. The team has built a strong reputation for giving younger riders an opportunity alongside more experienced riders and will once again arrive in Ireland with a squad eager to make an impact.

With an early start to the 2026 season, TAAP Kalas has prepared by racing at a high level in the UK, including two National A races, a UCI 1.2 event and a three-day stage race. That strong block of racing should leave the team well prepared for the demands of Rás Tailteann.

For this year’s edition, the team is expected to bring a mix of experience and fresh faces, including two riders who have raced in Ireland before and three who will be competing here for the first time. TAAP Kalas will be aiming to fight for stage wins while also protecting their strongest general classification rider.

Henry Latimer, Team Manager said: “TAAP Kalas is really looking forward to returning to Rás Tailteann in 2026 after making our first appearance in the race last year. We have had a strong start to the season, racing at a high level in the UK, and we feel that has prepared us well for what lies ahead. We are hoping to be in the mix for stage wins while also looking after our best-placed rider on general classification. The new route looks very exciting, with proper point-to-point stages and roads that should make for challenging but enjoyable racing.”

Race Director Ger Campbell added: “We are delighted to welcome TAAP Kalas back to Rás Tailteann for 2026. They made a positive impression on their debut in the race last year and they continue to show strong ambition in how they approach their racing. With a good mix of experience and new talent, they will be another team to watch on Irish roads this May.”